ASNT Volunteer Summit 2026

Strengthening Leadership Through Collaboration

The ASNT Volunteer Summit brings together section leaders, council members, and committee volunteers for an in-person experience focused on collaboration, shared learning, and meaningful connection. Expect interactive sessions, open dialogue, and clear next steps to help you strengthen your impact as a volunteer leader.

A group of people seated in a circle, engaged in discussion, some holding coffee cups. A modern office setting with a large window and artwork.

Attendees will leave with: 

Clearer alignment on goals, priorities, and next steps 

Stronger connections with fellow volunteers and ASNT staff 

Shared strategies and practical tools to support volunteer success 

Time to collaborate, plan, and contribute feedback that shapes future work 

Volunteer Summit Countdown

00Days
:
00Hours
:
00Minutes
:
00Seconds

Who Should Attend

This summit is designed for ASNT volunteers who want to strengthen their leadership impact and contribute meaningfully to the Society’s work. Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role or have years of volunteer experience, you’ll find space to connect, collaborate, and move initiatives forward.

Council Leaders

This is your first in-person opportunity to align as a council. Build relationships across groups, connect on shared priorities, and turn goals into clear next steps. The connections and plans formed at VLS will shape your council’s work throughout the year.

  • Align on council priorities and translate goals into actionable next steps.

  • Build strong working relationships across groups for year-round collaboration.

  • Establish a foundation for your council’s structure, focus, and impact.

Section Leaders

Engage with peers facing similar challenges, share proven approaches, and exchange ideas that strengthen and sustain your local section. Use this time to build connections, gain practical insights, and leave with strategies you can apply right away.

  • Share challenges and learn proven solutions from other section leaders.

  • Exchange practical ideas to strengthen member engagement and operations.

  • Build connections that support ongoing collaboration and success.

Volunteer Summit Agenda

Saturday, October 10, 2026 • 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • Hyatt Regency Columbus, Taft A • Buffet lunch provided

Welcome, Introductions & Table Connections

8:30–8:50 a.m.
Meet volunteers from across ASNT and share one challenge facing your council or section.

ASNT Leadership & Society Updates

8:50–9:45 a.m.
Society Update: Jason Riggs, ASNT President • Strategic Initiatives Update: Shana Telesz, ASNT Vice President.

Making the Most of the Volunteer Summit

9:45–10:00 a.m.
Pat White & Caroline Gierschick.

Advocacy: Creating Impact Nationally and Locally

10:00–10:45 a.m.
Garra Liming • Facilitated discussion and practical application.

Morning Break

10:45–11:00 a.m.

Councils 101: From Orientation to Action

11:00–11:45 a.m.
Toni Kervina • Follow-up to the all-council call with facilitated discussion and idea sharing.

Communicating as ASNT: Tools, Standards & Practice

11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Kelly Florian, Digital Marketing Manager • Interactive review of social media, correspondence, and ASNT communications.

Buffet Lunch & Networking

12:30–1:30 p.m.
Connect with a new mix of council and section volunteers.

Awards & Recognition: Identifying Excellence

1:30–2:15 p.m.
Caroline Gierschick • Recognizing deserving volunteers and strengthening nominations.

ASNT Connect: Supporting Council Work

2:15–3:05 p.m.
Pat White • Presentation and working session focused on communication, collaboration, resource sharing, and follow-through.

Break & Solutions Lab Selection

3:05–3:20 p.m.
Choose a challenge area and move to the designated table.

Volunteer Solutions Lab

3:20–4:15 p.m.
Self-select a challenge, develop practical solutions, and share new ideas.

Questions and Comments

4:15–4:30 p.m.
Open forum for attendee questions, comments, and shared observations.

ASNT Connect Microsites

4:30–5:00 p.m.
Pat White & Caroline Gierschick • Explore how section microsites will support local communication, content updates, member engagement, and section operations.

Reception • Big Bar on 2

5:00–6:00 p.m.
Continue the conversation with fellow volunteers and ASNT staff.

Register for ASNT Volunteer Summit 2026

Connect in person with section leaders, council members, and committee volunteers from across ASNT.

The Volunteer Summit is held the Saturday before ASNT 2026 in Columbus, OH. You can attend as part of your conference registration or on its own.

Registration for this event is $30.
10 October, 2026 | Columbus, OH

Share Your Track and Travel Needs

Once you've registered, complete this short questionnaire to confirm your volunteer track and plan for travel support.

Responses are due by 1 October 2026.

Start the Questionnaire 

Hyatt Regency Columbus

$239+ night

ASNT has secured a dedicated room block at the Hyatt Regency Columbus, offering a comfortable, centrally located stay with convenient access to the heart of downtown, local dining, and shopping. It’s an ideal place to connect with fellow leaders and recharge during the ASNT Volunteer Summit.

The Hyatt Regency Columbus also serves as one of the event hotels for ASNT 2026 (12–15 October). If you plan to attend both events, book your room for your full stay.

Reserve Your Room 
Modern hotel building with illuminated windows at dusk, featuring unique architecture and a circular driveway, surrounded by cityscape.

Hyatt Regency Columbus


10 October 2026

350 N High St,
Columbus, OH 43215

Located in the heart of downtown Columbus, this venue is in close proximity to the event hotel and offers seamless access to local dining and entertainment.

Plan Your Trip
Chat Window Trigger